I've had anti-foss a comments back from many posts that simply mention a non-Windows platform. The topic could be completely removed from any comparison of OS platforms yet someone will pipe up to spin it into another "US vs Them" debate. It's not unique to one side either was topics focusing only on Windows will quickly devolve into the same "US vs Them" nonsense.

I suggest that being able to mount a Documents and Settings directory as non-executable like I can with *nix platforms and I'm called a Windows hater being told I'm simply out to scare people away from the OS. I suggest that choosing an alternative to Windows is not always possible and I'm the enemy again. Some fanboy from one side or another will always find fault with not praying at there idol's alter.

Once the politics is removed from the topic, I've been reminded of things forgotten from my growing up on Windows machines. I used to climb through the registry like a freaking spider-monkey. Dig through the autostarts and services; a habit evolved out of years as an Autoexec and Config.sys tuner. Now after years of focusing on non-Windows platforms and a detrimental stint of employment outside of IT, I'm relearning these basic skills.

From any side, someone will always make it a pissing contest. It's very hard to get any good points one has to make considered when they are so well berried amongst personal attacks and "my daddy's OS can kick your daddy's OS" crap. If more people focused on the technical discussion and less on the emotional baggage, everyone would benefit.